Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds in the Amount of $20,000 and to Execute All Documents Related to the Play for All Project of the California Library Association and the California State Library to Create and Implement the Play for All Project at the San Leandro Public Library
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
SUMMARY
The San Leandro Public Library will participate in the Play for All 2026-2027 Cohort, an initiative of the California Library Association in partnership with the California State Library. The project aims to expand equitable access to inclusive, play-based learning opportunities for children ages 0-8 and their families throughout San Leandro.
The $20,000 grant will support enhancements to play spaces in the Library’s Children’s Section, including developmentally appropriate toys, educational games, sensory activities, and other materials that promote early literacy, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. The project will also support inclusive play-based programs, bilingual Spanish and Chinese play and music sessions, community pop-up story and play events, and portable and circulating play kits for families and youth-serving organizations.
The project will prioritize underserved families and children of all abilities, emphasizing accessible, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate experiences. Community feedback will help inform program planning and improvements. Through these efforts, the library aims to strengthen early learning, encourage family engagement, and establish sustainable play opportunities at the Main Library and its two branches, Manor and Mulford libraries.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommend the City Council adopt a resolution to accept the grant award for FY 2027 totaling $20,000 from California Library Association and the California State Library, and to authorize the City Manager to execute all documents and appropriate the funds.
BACKGROUND
The San Leandro community includes a diverse population of children and families with varying levels of access to safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate play and early learning opportunities. Play is an important part of early childhood development, supporting literacy, language skills, creativity, problem-solving, physical development, and social-emotional well-being. The San Leandro Public Library recognizes the need to expand free and accessible play opportunities, particularly for underserved families, children with disabilities, and families facing language or resource barriers. Through its participation in the Play for All 2026-2027 Cohort, the Library will build on its existing services and community engagement efforts to enhance play spaces, provide inclusive and responsive programs, and expand access to educational toys and play materials across the Main Library and its two branches. These efforts align with the library’s commitment to providing welcoming facilities, responsive services, and meaningful early learning opportunities for all members of the community.
Analysis
For FY 2027, the grant award Cohort Commitment (Attachment C) provides $20,000 to the library to purchase toy kits for the circulating collection, enhance library play spaces, and offer play-based programs at the library and throughout the community.
Current Agency Policies
o GOAL CSF-3 Sustain and expand a public library system that provides a destination for exploration and discovery, knowledge and information, leisure and cultural enrichment, and life-long learning opportunities for persons of all ages.
o Policy CSF-3.1 Library Expansion and Upgrades. Support the expansion and upgrading of public library facilities and services to keep pace with changes in information technology and community needs.
o Policy CSF-3.4 Libraries as Neighborhood Centers. Promote programs and events that affirm the role of the City’s libraries as community and neighborhood gathering places and that reflect the City’s diverse population.
o Policy CSF-3.5 Resources for Self-Improvement. Ensure that San Leandro’s libraries and other community institutions provide a setting for the open exchange of ideas and information and provide an opportunity for residents of all backgrounds to improve their skills and knowledge.
o GOAL CSF-5 Provide recreation and human service programs and activities commensurate with identified community needs.
o Policy CSF-5.1 Equitable and Affordable Access. Work with appropriate agencies to provide equal and affordable access to recreation and human services. Programs should be flexible and responsive to the community’s changing needs.
o Policy CSF-5.2 Child and Family Services. Support the development of child and family services and programs that encourage safe and healthy environments for children and families.
o Policy CSF-5.7: Meeting Diverse Youth Needs. Ensure that community recreation and human services programs respond to the diverse range of youth interests and are culturally competent.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
As part of this project, library staff will engage in community outreach to promote awareness of the library’s new toy collection, children’s programs, and play and family-friendly facilities. These outreach efforts aim to increase community engagement, encourage children and families to utilize the library’s resources, and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports early learning, exploration, and development through play-based activities and programs.
Additionally, the project includes pop-up library play programs offered at community locations like parks to extend outreach beyond the library’s physical space. These programs provide opportunities to engage families who may not currently use library services, introduce them to the library’s resources and offerings, and raise awareness of programs and services designed specifically to support children’s learning, development, and well-being.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney reviewed these documents and agreements and approved them as to form.
Financial Impacts
The project will be funded through a reimbursement-based grant. The library will initially incur and pay eligible project expenses and subsequently submit reimbursement requests to the California Library Association in accordance with the grant agreement requirements.
However, acceptance of this grant does not impact the FY 2027 General Fund budget. All project expenses will be reimbursed within two to four weeks of submitting a reimbursement request.
• CLA Play for All Grant (Fund F214 - Special Grants) $20,000
• Total $20,000
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution to Accept and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Documents Related to the California Library Association and California State Library Grant Award of $20,000 for FY 2027 and to Appropriate These Funds for The Play for All Project at the San Leandro Public Library.
B: Play for All 2026-2027- General guideline
C: CLA FY 2027 Grant Cohort Commitment
PREPARED BY: Sara Behimher, Librarian II, Library Department, Kelly Keefer, Supervising Librarian, Library Department, Brian Simons, Library Director, Library Department.